Veteran journalist John Pilger does for the US’ relationship with Latin America what Michael Moore did for its gun obsession in this extraordinary documentary. America’s notions of democracy come across as Orwellian; and, while some animals may indeed be more equal than others, someone clearly forgot to tell the Latin countries.
Pilger’s fondness for shots of himself at times detracts from engaging interviews, but his passion and research pay off superbly. Footage and analysis of the 2002 coup against Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez, and studies of the small towns and people under the shadow of capitalism elsewhere, make for gripping viewing.